SEACLIFFE ASYLUM. REPORT BY THE ROYAL COMMISSIONERS.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 249, 24 March 1888, Page 3

SEACLIFFE ASYLUM. REPORT BY THE ROYAL COMMISSIONERS.

The report of the Royal Commissioners on the Seacliffe Asylum has been presented to the Governor. The Commissioners state that the building was in a very unsatis" fuetory condition, partly through neglect to drain the site, and partly through defects in construction. They consider the architect is blameuble for not insisting on drainago if he really deemed it essential, and blame the Public Works Department for paying no attention to the architect's application or Sir Jamea Hector's warning on this point. The building is not in an absolutely dangerous state, but close watch on the progress of the settlement of the building (which is still going on) will be imperative. The Commissioners consider that excessive settling is due to a lack of good drainage, and to the weak method of construction. Tho foundations are inadequate, a serious departure having been made from the contract plan. This departure was a serious error of judgment on the part of the architect and inspector, the architect being the person responsible. The Commissioners advise that the site bo thoroughly clxainecl and that the faulty parts be pulled. down and rebuilt.